The Myths About Introverts That Aren’t True

There naturally comes stereotypes, misunderstandings and assumptions of the behaviour of different personality types. There’s no doubt that Introverts and Extroverts have their fair share of myths that simply aren’t true, because -either – they’re generalised or because we’re all different. However, there are quite a few common myths about introverts, that I’m sure my fellow introverts can relate to. Mainly because these may be stereotypes or quick assumptions made by others.

Myths About Introverts

1) Introverts are quiet. There are introverts who are good conversationalist or introverts who enjoy talking. Then again there are introverts who like to wind down and spend more quiet time after socialising. But, it doesn’t necessarily mean introverts are quiet. Some are, some aren’t.

2) Introverts are rude. This is a big one for me because I can’t imagine the amount of times someone thinks I am being rude, when I have the most intense difficulty in expressing to someone that I’d prefer not to talk, not because I don’t like them. I still experience huge discomfort in situations when I am surrounded by many people I don’t know, and that I’m still trying to get used to.

3) Introverts are shy. Shyness is often connected with introversion, however not all introverts are shy. Being shy is being nervous in social situations, which for most introverts or extroverts for that matter, can really depend on the person. Social introverts and extroverts communicate differently.

4) Introverts don’t like people. This is probably due to the fact that we like to spend more time alone in comparison to spending time with people. I definitely do like spending time with people, but in small moderation. There are days where I’d prefer to not socialise, and others where I do.

5) Introverts aren’t fun. It’s common to think that someone who is more energetic and outgoing is much more fun, but there is also a stereotype in extroverts being loud and enthusiastic. Introverts have fun in different ways. For myself, there are certain things people find fun, that is very overwhelming for me. But for me, reading, going to the cinema, laughing with my loved ones or cooking a meal is fun.

6) Introverts don’t like to talk. It’s mainly that most introverts don’t like to small talk. We’d much prefer to cut to the real talk in getting to know someone, rather than talk about things that are easily forgotten. I think many Introverts do like to talk, but more often about meaningful topics that are thoughtful – considering how much we like to think.